Elevation Plan
Cycling Route for Cap Formentor, Mallorca
Mallorca guide: Cap Formentor Cycling Route
Riding this route to Cap Formentor lighthouse is a right of passage for anyone coming to the island, and we believe it stands up with Sacalobra and Andratx as some of the most fantastic scenery on the island. Luckily for us it's right on our doorstep, with a very simple 60km route that get's you back in 2.5 hours (plus the mandatory coffee and photos!)
Setting off from the Velovie Clubhouse you'll roll around Alcudia Old Town and along 5km of flat coastal road to Port Pollenca.
From there the wide cycle lane will deliver you to the base of Coll de Creuerta where the ascents start in earnest - though take your time, as this first climb of the route is longer than it seems! Expect to cover 3.3km with an average of 6% covering 192m of vertical ascent.
The peak has a small refreshment stand & viewing platform known as 'El Mirador la Creuerta' that is perfect for group photos. If you go before sunrise then expect to see the lesser spotted 'insta-yogi-inspo-influencers' congregating there for sunrise streaming ;) This is a great place to regroup, before starting the winding descent down towards Formentor.
At the bottom of the descent the road takes a natural 90' left turn, and if you look to your right there you'll see a large carpark which sits on the back of Formentor beach. This is a solid option for toilet breaks or a coffee on the beach - but for now we recommend following the road to the left and holding on 'til the lighthouse. Just keep the Formentor option it in mind incase you need it.
Then it's just a case of following your nose along the long straight to Cala Figuera. As you start your second climb you'll see the stunning blue beach below you on the left, and the epic peak of Furmat looming above you on the right. You'll quickly find Tunnel Rocoso ahead leading through and winding up to Mirador - another great spot for panoramic views towards the lighthouse.
Don't relax too soon though, as you still need to swing around the valley and back up into La Moles. One last left turn will reveal the final climb to Cap Formentor lighthouse, where your coffee, cake and epic views await!
Cap Formentor Cafe
Prepare to do it all again when you make your way back, though you'll spot plenty more electric blue bays on your right as you head back down through the tunnel. Don't forget to stop at the top of Creuerta (before descending back into Pollenca) as we have a bonus climb on your left!
Cap Formentor Bonus Climb:
If you're feeling spicy then this addition to the route will take you up a short climb to the Albercutx Watchtower (Aka the 'Pepper Pot') with the best view over Pollenca Bay & Alcudia in the background. It's short, steep, and a little bit gravely, but well worth the extra work for some absolutely amazing views over the bay.
Then you're almost done. A speedy roll down to Pollenca and back around the bay (which can be full of hundreds of kite surfers in the summer) and you'll be back in Alcudia within 2o minutes.
Going for a KOM?
Then there's one climb on the Cap Formentor route that the pros have been racing for years - it's Coll de Creuerta, the first climb straight after Port Pollenca. At just 3.3km long with 200m climbing you can expect to finish between 7-12 minutes. Our advise is to get a flying start through the roundabout, and kick hard coming out of turns 2, 3 and 5 to which have small 15% upturns on the backend. If you can just hold the steady momentum, and grind through the final 1.5km straight (ish) to the top then you'll be golden.
The good news is that you'll be following in the footsteps of the greats, such as Alberto Contador, Magnus Sheffield and Fillipo Ganna. Fillipo Ganna likes the Cap Formentor route so much, that we actually saw him doing intervals on the bottom half of Creuerta in the December Training Camp (2024). So when you get back to the Clubhouse, you can have a look for the Strava segments to see how close you are to the pace of TDF stage winners and TT World Champs.
Inspiration on the route
Videos, & new photos are on their way!
Tips & Advice
#1 The Cap Formentor route is closed to buses & cars for the summer:
In 2023 the restrictions ran from 1st June through to 30th September, everyday from 10am to 10:30pm. This is great for cyclists who still have full access!
#2 If you are cycling this route outside of the summer road closures ...
You can avoid the worst of the traffic by leaving at 8am or 9am. The traffic builds from 10am, so aim to be back to Pollenca by 11am.
#3 Beware the Cap Formentor Goats!
Ok so they're not exactly terrifying, but they don't follow traffic rules and they are found all along the route from Formentor to the lighthouse... Se keep an eye out at all times.
#4 Go to Cap Formentor to watch the full moon rise:
This one is hard to describe - but trust us, the full moon rising over the sea from Cap Formentor really is something to behold. Of course the route is winding & steep so you'll need lights, and be careful on the descents. But it's something you'll never forget.
"Cap Formentor is the most beautiful ride on the island." – Elsa at Velovie
"On the way back from Cap Formentor you have to stop at the top of La Creuerta - freshly squeezed orange juice & donuts are brilliant!." – Drew from London
"This is my favourite route on the island. Cap Formentor is da-bomb baby!!" – Stu our enthusiastic American
Summary
Cycling to Cap Formentor is the perfect route to get your Mallorca cycling holiday underway. The route is pretty straight forward, and the views are pretty epic... So start planning your trip today! Download the Cap Formentor route files at the top of the page, join our Strava Club here, and share this post with your friends.
This Mallorca Cycling Route to Cap Formentor showcases the very best of the island, with smooth winding tarmac, epic coastal views and 1000m of climbing.
Don't forget, we also have a dedicates route pages on the Hub!
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